KEN HUNTS FOOD: [Revisit] The Twelve Cups @ The Whiteaways Arcade, Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

[Revisit] The Twelve Cups @ The Whiteaways Arcade, Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Back to The Twelve Cups, one of the oldest cafe establishments in town; was closed for a one-month renovation and has since, resumed its business operation. Not only that the cafe has enhanced its interior decor but introduced a newly revamped menu that furnishes a sprawling collection of shareable small and large Brunch, savory and sweet crepes as well as the regulars' all time favorites. The cafe is now more hipstery and brighter with younger vibe but seats are still limited, so for those coming in a big group, be sure to secure a table by making advance reservation. Ambiance-aside, we were impressed with the food quality and endless options. If you are seeking for a cafe that serves solid-promising food, give this place a try.

The 12th (Rm 22) is probably named after the name of the cafe, features an enticingly sizable Big Breakfast that consists of Sausages, Scrambled Egg, Sauteed Mushrooms, Hash Browns, Toasted Baguette, Grilled Sweet Corn and Greens. Nothing to shout over for the Sausages but the Scrambled Egg was well-executed to the right doneness... creamy and most fluffy; most delicious to enjoy together with the Sauteed Mushroom and sweet-sour Ketchup-influenced sauce. Hearty enough to be shared by two small eaters.

Many cafe hoppers' favorite- Aglio Olio Pasta (Rm 17) but The Twelve Cups did it right. As a Pork-Free cafe, they have cleverly replaced Bacon with Smoked Duck Breast... as a result of that, the smokiness was not compromised. Who does not like runny Egg Yolk? The inclusion of Egg Yolk introduced another layer of creamy-wholesomeness to the dish. If I must nitpick, I'd personally prefer the Smoked Duck Breast to come in bigger piece... for a meatier and more satisfying bite.

We picked Shifudo Crepe-Yaki (Rm 19) from a few choices of Savory crepes; an Okonomiyaki-inspired dish. Onions and Egg were laid atop of the paper-thin Crepe and pan fried till perfection; laden over a few pieces of pan fried Smoked Salmon and Bonito flakes, served with the sweet Okonomiyaki sauce and creamy Mayonnaise. We love the addition of Smoked Salmon here- imparting a delightful smoky-touch to the entire dish. It was almost like having an Okonomiyaki... a thinner version.

Even we were stuffed, we just had to make rooms for desserts. It was simply too futile to refrain ourselves from ordering their sweet Crepes... so we decided to go for their recommendation- Berries on the Cheese (Rm 16)... Cream Cheese filling well-enveloped in a Cheese Blintz... paper-thin sheet of Crepe and served with Berry Compote and a handful of fresh Berries. The filling was toothsome, absolutely creamy but well-balanced with an agreeable amount of sweetness (no, not the sweetness that could give you instant insulin-spike); even better with the tangy, juicy fresh Berries. A contenting sweet treat to be shared by a few.